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Following the repositioning or reduction of the shoulder, the patient will be required to wear a speciliazed sling known as a shoulder immobilizer. The immobilizer prevents movement of the shoulder and allows the injured muscles, tendons, ligaments and joint capsule to heal.
With early reduction, immobilization and progressive rehabilitation, the expected recovery time is 10-16 weeks.
Physical therapy that focuses on strengthening the muscles that surround and stabilize the shoulder can significantly reduce the risk for re-injury.
Initially, activities which involve overhead motion should be avoided. Only when the shoulder has had sufficient time to heal and rehabilitate should this type of activity be resumed.
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Following the repositioning or reduction of the shoulder, the patient will be required to wear either a simple sling or a specialized sling known as a shoulder immobilizer. The immobilizer prevents movement of the shoulder and allows the injured muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joint capsule to heal.
With early reduction, immobilization and progressive rehabilitation, the expected recovery time is 10-16 weeks.
Physical therapy that focuses on strengthening the muscles that surround and stabilize the shoulder can significantly reduce the risk for re-injury.
Activities, which involve overhead motion, should initially be avoided. Only when the shoulder has had sufficient time to heal and to rehabilitate should this type of activity be resumed.
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NSAIDs
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a group of drugs used to control pain. This category of medications includes both prescription and common over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs are effective for many types of pain that can occur because of inflammation of muscles, joints and bones. The drugs work quickly and people often notice some benefit within a few hours of taking the tablet. However, the complete effectiveness of the drug may not be realized for up to four weeks. For each individual, some varieties of NSAIDs are more effective than others. Often, patients will find that one or two varieties are helpful whereas others may not be as effective in controlling symptoms. It is usually necessary to try several brands and continue with the one that is most suitable. NSAIDs can be used to treat:
Pain resulting from inflammation or swelling.
Pain after injury.
Joint pain and arthritis.
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Hot/Cold Pack
The use of hot and cold packs to relieve pain and inflammation is a common method of treatment for many conditions. When the soft tissue groups become strained or irritated the rotating application of hot and cold can be beneficial.
Cold therapy numbs the nerves to reduce pain and combats swelling by constricting blood vessels and by slowing blood flow to the site of injury. The application of heat to an injury after a few days of cold therapy and after swelling and redness has been reduced promotes the healing process.
Heat therapy speeds up healing by increasing the flow of blood to the site of injury. Heat will also restore flexibility, relieve muscle cramping, and arthritic symptoms.
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| When the shoulder becomes dislocated, muscles, ligaments, tendons and the capsule itself can be involved in the injury. The tissue damage resulting from a dislocation may result in an increased risk for re-injury. The risk for recurrence and chronic instability are much greater in a younger, active individual and decreases with age.
Surgery may be required to repair tears in or to stabilize the joint capsule. Early surgical intervention is suggested for those who participate in overhead sports such as tennis, swimming, or baseball, and/or in those patients who eventually continue to experience symptoms of instability or dislocations. Approximately 50% of the patients diagnosed with a shoulder dislocation or subluxation will require surgery.
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Thera-Band
The Thera-band system of resistance provides both a positive and negative force on the muscles; improving strength, range of motion and conditioning of muscle groups. Thera-Bands are made from latex and are color-coded based on the level of resistance they provide.
The selected band easily attaches to a door where a wide range of strength training exercises can be preformed. The advantage of the wide band design is in the distribution of the resistive force upon the joints and muscles. Thera-Band therapy is highly affected in treating shoulder injuries where passive strength training is required and when specific muscle groups must be targeted. Shoulder muscles can be strengthened using the Thera-Band without having to apply excess force to the actual shoulder joint.
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Metal, plastic, or absorbable suture anchors are usually required to surgically repair/reconstruct an unstable shoulder.
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| Not usually applicable. |
About the Review Team
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